Medical Observation Imaging With Dual Filters to Prevent Flicker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical observation systems face challenges in reducing device size due to the use of two image sensors for visible and infrared light observation, and alternate emission of white and infrared light causes flickering of the observed portion.

Innovation Solution

A medical observation system that uses a single image sensor with dual filters to capture visible light and fluorescence, and a dichroic prism to split light into multiple wavelength bands, allowing simultaneous emission of visible light and excitation light to generate fluorescence and background images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two image sensors are used for visible light and infrared light observation, then observation capability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple observation functions (visible light, infrared, fluorescence) into a single image sensor by equipping it with multiple filters (first filter for visible light, second filter for infrared light, third filter for fluorescence). This merging approach eliminates the need for separate image sensors for each observation type, thereby reducing device size while maintaining comprehensive observation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different filters. The sensor can observe visible light, infrared light, and fluorescence sequentially, making it a universal imaging device that replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, thus reducing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If white light and infrared light are emitted alternately, then fluorescence observation is enabled, but flickering occurs in the observed portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluorescence observationVSAvoidflickering

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic switching of light sources and filters to achieve different observation modes. By controlling the timing of light source emission (white light, infrared light) and filter switching, the system enables fluorescence observation while managing the flickering effect through coordinated periodic operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different light sources and filters based on the desired observation mode. The light sources and filters are controlled to operate in coordination, allowing the system to transition between visible light observation, infrared observation, and fluorescence observation, thereby enabling versatile functionality while managing flickering through dynamic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prevents flickering and reduces device size by enabling simultaneous capture of fluorescence and background images without increasing device complexity.

Implementation Method 1

an image sensor configured to capture at least one of reflected light of at least one of the first visible light and the second visible light reflected from the object and the fluorescence to generate image data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

excitation light exciting a fluorescent substance and causing emission of fluorescence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 3

a dichroic prism configured to split reflected light of at least one of the first visible light and the second visible light reflected from the object and the fluorescence into a plurality of wavelength bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDichroic Prism: Dichroic Filter

Data Source

PatentUS12426775B2Medical observation system, control device, and control method

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS

AI summary

Provided are a medical observation system, a control device, and a control method that are configured to prevent flickering of a portion to be observed of an object to be observed and reduce the size of the device. The medical observation system 1 includes an image sensor 212, a second control unit 94 that causes a light source device 3 to simultaneously emit second visible light and excitation light, and an image processing unit 91 that generates a fluorescence image based on a first pixel value that is output from a pixel in which a first filter is arranged and that is contained in image data and a background image based on a second pixel value that is output from a pixel in which a second filter is arranged.